QENDO WELCOMES NEW MEDICARE ITEM NUMBER FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS ULTRASOUND IN FEDERAL BUDGET

QENDO WELCOMES NEW MEDICARE ITEM NUMBER FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS ULTRASOUND IN FEDERAL BUDGET

Tonight’s Federal Budget announcement marks a historic win for people living with endometriosis.

From 1 November 2025, a new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number will be introduced for specialist ultrasounds for those with severe endometriosis. This scan, often previously unaffordable and only accessible privately, is crucial in diagnosing and managing complex cases — especially where deep infiltrating endometriosis affects organs such as the bowel, bladder, ovaries, and other areas of the pelvis.

QENDO has long advocated for this critical change, recognising that improved imaging can significantly reduce delays in diagnosis, help plan effective treatment, and ultimately improve quality of life.

Around 1 in 9 Australian women and people assigned female at birth live with endometriosis. On average, it takes seven years to receive a diagnosis, and the condition costs approximately $30,900 per person annually in lost productivity, treatment, and care.

This Medicare item number is part of a broader commitment to improve care for those with endometriosis and pelvic pain. The Budget also outlines:

    •    11 new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics across Australia

    •    An expanded scope across all 33 clinics to support those navigating menopause and perimenopause

    •    Targeted support to improve diagnosis timeframes, treatment access, and specialist intervention

This is a significant step forward in reducing the health and financial burden of endometriosis — and a win for every advocate, clinician, and person who has shared their story to help make this change happen.

We thank the Government for listening, and we remain committed to ensuring equitable access to care for all those affected by endometriosis and pelvic pain.